Ruto faces political rhetoric showdown has he grapples with cementing legacy

Tensions over the rising cases of abductions in Kenya reached a boiling point this week, with political leaders from different sides of the divide offering sharply contrasting views.
President William Ruto’s remarks on the abductions, coupled with a war of words between key government officials, have sparked a political uproar, with accusations of mismanagement, political maneuvering, and failure to protect citizens.
“We will not allow our country to descend into lawlessness,” Ruto stated in his address. “Every Kenyan deserves to live in peace, free from fear and intimidation. We are a nation of laws, and those who break the law will face the consequences, no matter their position or influence.”
While Ruto did not directly address the role of security agencies in the abductions, he has in many occasions assured Kenyans that justice would be served. “The government is committed to ensuring that every Kenyan’s rights are protected, and no one will be allowed to act outside the law.”
However, his remarks seem not enough to quell the growing suspicion that security forces might be involved in the disappearances. Critics quickly pointed out that Ruto’s assurances came after weeks of inaction and denial by his administration and the looming protests by Gen Z youths.
Former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya, weighed in with a scathing response. Natembeya, who has gained national prominence for his blunt criticisms of the government, accused Ruto of failing to act decisively on the issue.
“The abductions in Kenya are not just random acts of criminality; they are part of a wider scheme to silence dissent and intimidate the public,” Natembeya declared at a rally in Eldoret. “It is not enough for President Ruto to speak words of reassurance. He must act. We cannot have a situation where Kenyans are abducted with impunity.”
Natembeya went further to suggest that the government was complicit in these crimes, linking the abductions to a broader pattern of political repression. “I served as a public officer under the previous regime, and I know how these operations work. The government has the resources to track down the perpetrators, but they choose not to because they benefit from the silence.”
He also called for an independent investigation into the abductions, arguing that the current government could not be trusted to provide an honest inquiry.
In a direct rebuttal to Natembeya’s accusations, majority leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah took to the media to defend President Ruto and his administration, rejecting claims of complicity. Ichung’wah, a close ally of Ruto, dismissed the idea that the government was behind the abductions as “wildly speculative” and “politically motivated.”
“Let us be clear: the government under President Ruto has zero tolerance for any form of lawlessness, and the accusations being made by some leaders are baseless,” Ichung’wah asserted in an interview Kurunzi News.
“It is irresponsible for Natembeya to try and create a narrative that the government is behind the abductions. If anyone should be questioned about this, it’s the opposition, who have continuously incited unrest in the country.”
Ichung’wah went on to accuse the politicians of using the issue of abductions to destabilize the government and create political chaos.
“These are the same people who were quick to blame the government for anything that goes wrong, but never take responsibility for their own actions. If there are abductions happening, let the law enforcement agencies do their work without political interference,” he said.
This political spat underscores the deeper tensions within Kenya’s political landscape. President Ruto, who has faced continuous criticism from opposition figures, now finds himself in the difficult position of trying to balance his response to the abduction crisis while managing internal divisions within his government.
On the other hand, the opposition is exploiting the issue to discredit the administration, further polarizing the political environment.
The Head of State also faces the challenge of crafting a lasting legacy, which could significantly influence his 2027 re-election plan.
Key priorities for 2025 include improving communication to better explain his administration’s policies, addressing the high cost of living, and tackling corruption. These issues will be crucial in 2025, the final “working” year before he embarks on his re-election campaign in 2026.
The Kenya Kwanza administration has been criticized by policy analysts and critics for implementing its programmes in a controversial manner. Among the contentious initiatives are the cancelled Adani-JKIA deal, the Social Health Authority, and the Affordable Housing scheme, which critics argue is burdening already overtaxed Kenyans.
The proposed mass vaccination of livestock, targeting 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep, has also met resistance from pastoralists and stakeholders such as the Kenya Veterinary Association. Their primary concern is the lack of transparency in the proposed vaccination process.
Analysts argue that while some of these policy interventions may have merit, the lack of transparency in their implementation and the absence of public participation have stoked controversy and speculation.
Policy analyst Leonard Khafafa suggests that the President reconsider his communications strategy. He advises stepping back from being a one-man communications juggernaut and allowing Cabinet Secretaries and other state officials to take on the responsibility of articulating government policies.
“Stepping back will enable him to exercise plausible deniability when necessary, helping him shed the ‘chronic liar’ label that has thus far characterized his presidency. In communications, perception shapes reality,” Khafafa noted.
Political scientist Dr. Kamau Wairuri also points out that President Ruto will face increased scrutiny this year due to the widespread use of technology, which allows many Kenyans to access information and voice their dissatisfaction with the government.
“Social media will be used more than ever before to highlight the shortcomings of the Kenya Kwanza administration. Last year, Kenyans used social media to expose the government, including instances where projects were launched multiple times,” he said.
According to Wairuri, the cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings of government critics have attracted both national and international concern, largely due to the role of social media. He argues that the government’s handling of critics has made it even less popular.
“Since the buck stops with the President, he must ensure his critics are not victimized. He can change the narrative by using social media to directly connect with the public, explaining his programmes and dropping controversial ones. This approach would position social media as a key asset in his re-election strategy,” he added.
The anti-Ruto team warn that should the broad-based fail to heed to the electorates demands, more crisis looms and no extension of an olive branch would save the “government in shipwreck”
Led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,they have vowed to continue criticizing the government and wane its influence ahead of the 2027 contest.
“Please do not let the Court Poets & Masters of platitude distract you from the work you are doing of delivering to the people of Trans-Nzoia County. These Court Jesters are on the misguided assignment of providing comic relief to their master,”Gachagua told Natembeya.
” And do not be cowed from speaking out on behalf of the people of Kenya when it’s necessary. The rants and tirade being thrown at you are a clear testimony that you are making an impact as you speak truth to power”.